Entering the NFL trade deadline, it looked like edge rusher was one of the top positions of need for the Patriots .

After they traded Keion White to San Francisco, the team had room to add another veteran to provide depth behind Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson. Although they showed reported interest in veteran Jaelan Phillips, the Patriots opted to stand pat and lean on the players already on their roster.

With White gone, that meant more of an opportunity for undrafted rookie Elijah Ponder to play with veteran backup Anfernee Jennings. On Sunday, Ponder delivered.

The rookie edge rusher played a career-high 14 defensive snaps and made his first NFL sack.

“It felt amazing,” Ponder said. “First career sack. I’m just grateful.”

A small-school prospect, Ponder played in college

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